Wanna get down with the lingo? Here are some soccer terms and their American English translations:

  • Pitch = Field (“Clear Creek passed the pitch inspection this morning so games are on.”)
  • Boots = Soccer shoes/cleats (“Lace up your boots and get out there!”)
  • Full Time = Final (“At Full Time from Anfield it’s Liverpool 3, Man City 2.”)
  • Kit = Uniform (“United are in their red away kit today.”)
  • Table = Standings (“We’re top of the table” means “We’re in first place”)
  • Match = Game (“Today’s match features two teams on good form.”)
  • The Woodwork = The frame of the goal, crossbar & posts (“The shot went off the woodwork!”)
  • Touchline = Sideline (“Get wide means heels on the touchline.”)
  • Out of Touch = Out of Bounds (“The ball has rolled out of touch and it’s a throw in for Tottenham.”)
  • Halfway Line = 50 yard line? (wrong sport!) (“Let’s step up and defend the halfway line.”)
  • Keeper/Goalkeeper = Goalie (“Pass back to keeper!”)
  • Maradona Turn = a two-touch 360 degree turn using both feet
  • Panenka = a penalty kick taken as a chip to the middle of the goal, anticipating that the keeper will dive one way.
  • Rabona = technique where the kicking leg is crossed behind the back of the standing leg.
  • Football = Soccer (“Arsenal are known for playing an attractive style of football.”)
  • Fixture List = Schedule (“When the fixture list comes out for next year, you can be sure they will circle the Chelsea match.”)
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